Manatee Calf Rescued In Florida Keys

File photo of a manatee being rescued (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

KEY LARGO, Fla. (AP) — A manatee calf that was likely struck by a boat has been rescued by marine mammal experts in the Florida Keys.

The almost 6-foot-long male, estimated to weigh about 275 pounds, was recovered Tuesday in a Key Largo canal by personnel from the Keys-based Dolphin Research Center and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.

It was being transported to the Miami Seaquarium for treatment.

A veterinarian said the animal was suffering from one broken rib “that’s releasing air into the body cavity.”

Officials said they are optimistic the animal, dubbed “Pilgrim” because of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, should make a full recovery.